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A feature film based on the globally popular Labubu toys is officially in development, Chinese company Pop Mart and Sony Pictures have confirmed.

The project, which will combine live action and computer-generated animation, is in early development. It will be directed by Paul King, known for Paddington and Wonka, though no release date has been announced.

Labubu figures, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have become a global sensation, driving Pop Mart’s valuation to nearly $40bn and attracting a devoted fan base, including celebrities.

The character, a forest elf inspired by Nordic mythology, originates from Lung’s book...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed the completed construction of the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand, describing it as a major spiritual and cultural project for the country.

Rebuilt on the initiative of the head of state, the complex reflects the legacy of Imam Bukhari, one of the most revered hadith scholars in the Islamic world. Authorities said the site has been modernised to accommodate pilgrims while preserving its religious significance.

A new tourists center has been created on a 15-hectare area surrounding the complex, featuring hotels, guest houses and service facilities. The infrastructure now allows the site...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has congratulated the nation on the occasion of the Ramadan Hayit holiday.

«In these wonderful moments, we thank the Almighty for the peace and tranquility on our land. Following the tradition established in recent years, this year as well we, together with all our people, have carried out many good deeds to observe the holy month of Ramadan,» the head of state said.

Approximately 1 trillion Uzbek soums (UZS) were allocated to support low-income families and the sick. Of this amount, 450 bn soums were directed to assist...

K-pop titans BTS have officially launched their highly anticipated comeback, releasing a cinematic new music video, dropping their fifth studio album and preparing for a massive open-air concert in Seoul before embarking on an extensive world tour.

Cinematic Return With “SWIM”

The group kicked off their return on Friday at 1pm KST with the release of the music video for their lead single, “SWIM”. Filmed against the vast ocean backdrop of Lisbon, the visual masterpiece features real ships and intricate sets that create an overwhelming sense of scale.

Directed by world-renowned filmmaker Tanu Muino, the story-driven video stars...

BTS leader RM has sustained an ankle injury during rehearsals just days before the group’s highly anticipated full-group comeback concert in central Seoul, his agency said.

The rapper was injured on Thursday and taken to hospital for evaluation and treatment, according to BigHit Music. Medical staff diagnosed ligament damage and inflammation, advising him to wear a leg cast and avoid movement for at least two weeks.

The incident comes shortly before BTS is set to perform a free outdoor concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square, celebrating the release of their fifth studio album, «Arirang.»

Despite...

Former U.S. president Donald Trump is confronting a growing web of legal risks that could shape his post-presidency, with challenges emerging both domestically and internationally.

A landmark 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision has significantly altered the legal landscape. In Trump v. United States, the court ruled that former presidents enjoy absolute immunity for core constitutional actions and presumptive immunity for other official acts, while unofficial conduct remains prosecutable. This distinction has made it more difficult for prosecutors to pursue cases, as courts must now determine which actions fall within official duties.

Legal analysts warn that Trump’s exposure may...

FIFA has approved new rules requiring women’s national teams to include female coaches on their benches, as part of efforts to boost representation in football.

Under the regulation, each team competing in FIFA women’s tournaments must have at least two female staff members, including at least one in a key role such as head coach or assistant coach. The measure was approved at a FIFA Council meeting and will come into force at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland in September.

The rule will also apply to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and FIFA’s...

Canadian energy company Condor Energies said its gas production in Uzbekistan continued to grow in 2025, as the firm also advanced LNG and critical minerals projects in Kazakhstan.

According to the company’s year-end results, average production in Uzbekistan reached 10,484 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in 2025, including 10,202 boe/d of natural gas and 282 barrels per day of condensate. Annual gas and condensate sales in the country totaled CAD 80.66 mln.

In the fourth quarter, output in Uzbekistan rose 5.6% from the previous quarter to 10,534 boe/d. Condor added that production in March 2026 has...

The Philippines defeated Uzbekistan 2–0 in a crucial AFC Women’s Asian Cup play-off match, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup alive.

The match, played in Australia as part of the tournament’s play-in stage, saw the Filipinas deliver a composed performance to secure victory and eliminate Uzbekistan from contention.

The play-off fixtures involve teams that lost in the quarter-finals, with winners earning a direct place at the World Cup, underlining the high stakes of the encounter.

Despite a competitive showing, Uzbekistan failed to convert chances and were ultimately undone by two goals from the...

Uzbekistan is often described as one of the happiest countries in Central Asia, but a closer look suggests the picture is more complex than global rankings imply. Are Uzbeks really happy asks The Diplomat Media.

According to recent international surveys, Uzbekistan ranks relatively high in measures of life satisfaction compared to its regional peers. The country placed around the middle of global rankings and emerged as one of the happiest in Eurasia, reflecting strong social ties and a culture of mutual support.

Analysts note that such rankings rely heavily on subjective perceptions, how people feel about their...

Several Central European countries are advancing stricter migration and border policies, with Austria opening talks with Uzbekistan while Germany, Poland and others move to tighten asylum and security measures.

Austria has approved the start of negotiations with Uzbekistan on a migration agreement aimed at facilitating deportations of rejected asylum seekers, including third-country nationals transiting through the Central Asian state. The deal is also expected to include schemes for skilled workers, students and researchers. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said the move would help enforce «orderly migration» and uphold the rule of law.

In the Czech Republic, the government is...

Uzbekistan is moving forward with plans to modernise its water management system in partnership with China’s LEO Group, following high-level talks in Tashkent.

The discussions took place between Deputy Minister Ilzat Kasimov and LEO Group Chairman Wang Xianjun, focusing on investment projects to produce modern pumping equipment and upgrade water infrastructure across the country.

Both sides explored the construction of new pumping stations under public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms, as well as the creation of a specialized technopark dedicated to advanced engineering and technological solutions.

Officials said the projects aim to boost efficiency in water resource management and support...

The European Union has honoured its Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Toivo Klaar, for two decades of service in European public administration.

The award was presented during the annual EU Ambassadors Conference in Brussels by Kaja Kallas, who serves as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The recognition highlights Klaar’s long-standing contribution to the EU’s external action, including his role in strengthening ties with Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.

On the same occasion, EU official Diego Escalona Paturel also received a medal marking 20 years of service.

In a statement, the EU Delegation to...

U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy on March 19 after drawing a comparison between recent American strikes on Iran and Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, during a White House meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump defended the element of surprise in military operations when asked why allies had not been informed in advance of the strikes on Tehran.

«We wanted surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan?» he said, referencing the historic attack.

Trump went on to question Japan’s decision-making during Pearl Harbor...

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is injecting up to $15.4 mln into UzCarlsberg to facilitate the major brewer’s growth.

As the sole producer of international Carlsberg Group brands in Uzbekistan, the company will use this equity investment to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and promote sustainability within the regional food industry.

UzCarlsberg, which has partnered with the EBRD since 2022, plans to direct the funds toward constructing a new brewing plant alongside its current operations. The financial boost will also enable the brewer to upgrade its warehouse facilities and procure cutting-edge bottling and brewing machinery. Ultimately, these upgrades...

Actor Val Kilmer will appear on screen after his death in what producers describe as a groundbreaking performance created using generative artificial intelligence in the upcoming film «As Deep as the Grave.»

Kilmer, known for roles in «Top Gun,» «The Doors» and «Batman Forever,» had been cast as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest with ties to Native American spirituality. However, he was unable to take part in filming due to health complications linked to throat cancer. He died last April at the age of 65.

Filmmakers said they worked closely with Kilmer’s estate and his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, to...

U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel had «violently lashed out» at Iran’s major South Pars gas field in a significant escalation of the U.S.-Israeli conflict, but added Israel would not carry out further strikes unless Iran retaliated, Reuters reports.

Wednesday’s attack on the giant gas facility drove up oil prices and prompted Iran to threaten strikes on oil and gas targets across the Gulf, while firing missiles at Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The escalation further disrupts global energy supplies and increases political stakes for Trump, who joined Israel in targeting Iran nearly four weeks ago.

QatarEnergy reported «extensive damage...

Lionel Messi reached a landmark 900 career goals on Wednesday, becoming only the second player in elite men’s football to achieve the feat after Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 38-year-old Argentine World Cup winner scored with a left-footed strike in Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw with Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Messi’s milestone came 21 years after his first senior goal for Barcelona at age 17 in 2005.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano described Messi’s tally as «insane».

«I’ve been lucky enough to see most, or many, of the goals he’s scored, much closer than you all...

The Philippines have earned a spot at the 2027 Women’s World Cup following a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan in a Women’s Asian Cup play-in match on the Gold Coast, ESPN reports.

Angela Beard was a standout performer as the two quarterfinal losers from the Asian Cup clashed for a World Cup qualifying spot in Brazil next year.

Under former A-League Women coach Mark Torcaso, the Filipinas controlled the game and, after a first half of near misses, delivered a rapid double in the second half.

Beard narrowly missed twice in the opening 45 minutes, including a close-range tap-in, before...

Uzbekistan will select its first cosmonaut through an open contest, available to any citizen who meets the eligibility requirements.

This was announced by Muhiddin Ibragimov, deputy director of the agency «Uzbekcosmos,» during a roundtable with agency officials and deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, according to a Kursiv Uzbekistan correspondent. Candidates will be evaluated on age, height, weight and education, and selection will focus on technological expertise. Participants must also speak at least two languages.

«If the mission is planned for the International Space Station, knowledge of Russian and English is mandatory. For...

Disney has officially announced release dates for two highly anticipated sequels, «Incredibles 3» and «Lilo & Stitch 2,» set for summer 2028, Variety reports.

During Wednesday’s shareholder call, incoming Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro revealed that the live-action «Lilo & Stitch» sequel will premiere on May 26, followed by the third installment of «The Incredibles» on June 16.

Incredibles 3

The upcoming «Incredibles» film will be directed by Peter Sohn, known for «Elemental,» marking the first time the series will continue without franchise creator Brad Bird directing. Bird will, however, remain involved as a screenwriter and producer. Returning voice...

The official turnover of crypto assets in Uzbekistan at the end of 2025 amounted to more than $2 bn. This was reported on March 18 by the First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Advanced Projects (NAPP) Vyacheslav Pak during a press conference, in response to a question from Kursiv Uzbekistan. For comparison, in 2023 this figure was at the level of $1 bn, indicating a twofold growth of the legal market.

«By the end of 2025, officially it [crypto asset turnover] is more than $2 bn,» he said.

Control over the «grey...

Afghanistan has agreed to suspend military operations against Pakistan following mediation efforts by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Afghan officials said according to RBC.

Government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced in a post on X that the truce will run from the night of March 19 until midnight on March 24. Pakistan had earlier confirmed a similar pause in hostilities, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar saying the decision was taken at the request of the same mediators.

The ceasefire coincides with Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important Islamic celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, observed this year from the...

A powerful spyware tool known as «Darksword» has been discovered targeting Apple iPhones through compromised websites in Ukraine, Reuters reports.

The malware was analysed by Google, Lookout and iVerify, marking the second major iPhone exploit identified this month. Experts say it reflects a growing market for advanced hacking tools capable of stealing sensitive data and cryptocurrency assets.

Google linked the spyware to campaigns in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia and Ukraine, with some activity tied to Turkish firm PARS Defense.

The attacks targeted iPhones running older iOS versions released in 2025. While Apple has patched the vulnerabilities, researchers estimate that up...